Uganda Airlines to Start Flights to Rwanda

The National Carrier, Uganda Airlines, has been allowed by Rwandan authorities to commence direct flights to Kigali.

The announcement was made Friday, March 24, by the Ugandan Minister for Foreign Affairs, General Jeje Odongo, during the just concluded 11th Rwanda-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in Kigali.

“Uganda welcomes the acceptance of the designation of our national carrier -Uganda Airlines by the Rwanda authorities, which will lead to its commencing of direct flights from their hub in Entebbe to Kigali,” he said.

Odongo said this will further boost trade, enhance connectivity, and contribute to strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

He added that with the potential that exists.

“We must exert all efforts to promote mutually beneficial trade. The infrastructural challenges and non – tariff barriers that affect the smooth flow of goods and services, limits free movement of persons need to be addressed.”

Delivering his remarks, Rwandan Foreign Minister, Vincent Biruta said, “This important meeting marks another milestone in the ongoing process to revitalize the longstanding and excellent bilateral relations between our two countries.”

During the three-day JPC, both countries agreed to create an attractive environment for the private sector and to fast track earlier stalled Northern Corridor Integration Projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, among others.

Also at the meeting, four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed in the fields of justice and constitutionalism, mutual legal assistance, diplomatic and political consultations, and migration matters.